2027: Fresh Crisis Rocks NDC Over Plateau Guber Substitution Primary

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Plateau State is currently facing a fresh crisis that has escalated due to allegations surrounding the party’s state chairman, Solomon Yakub, and his actions during the substitution governorship election. Yakubu has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was unaware of any contention following the election's outcome.

He maintains that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the process and reported on it accurately. The National Auditor of NDC, Oluwole Adedapo, who oversaw the election, declared that Da Jonathan Akuns emerged victorious without opposition. Adedapo had visited the state's executive committee prior to the event but was reportedly shocked when DSS officers arrived at the venue on the eve of the primary, insisting he accompany them to their office.

Despite these claims, a stakeholder, Abdullahi Iliya, revealed that Yakubu had orchestrated a parallel primary with the support of NDC chairmen from seven local government areas. He then allegedly sent the name of Alfred Damiyal, a defeated PDP candidate, to INEC, attempting to breach due process. The NDC National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, stated that the party had submitted Da Jonathan Akuns' name as the nominee for the Plateau State gubernatorial election of 2027 to INEC.

Enekweizu emphasized that it would be highly unusual for INEC to accept any communication not endorsed by the party's national leadership. He warned that if INEC acted on the alleged alternate nomination, they would be challenged to produce the supporting evidence.